Matīss Arnicāns

Latvian Television

Agrāk strādājis Latvijas Radio Ziņu dienestā.


View author's articles: English Latvian Russian

Author's articles
Holes in Latvia's import ban from Russia
Holes in Latvia's import ban from Russia
In February, the Saeima decided to ban the import of Russian and Belarusian agricultural and animal feed products into Latvia. The ban was intended only for products consumed in Latvia, as Latvia does not have the right to stop transit. Latvian Television's De Facto, aired April 8, found out that some loopholes were deliberately left in the national sanctions.
LTV looks at companies transporting manganese ore through Latvia
LTV looks at companies transporting manganese ore through Latvia
While politicians are still talking about possible sanctions on manganese ore, Russia's own decision to nationalize the largest recipient of the ore - the Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant - has had a tangible effect on the movement of these cargoes through Latvia. Latvian companies now have problems handling cargo related to this plant due to the sanctions imposed against Russia, concludes Latvian Television's "De facto" aired March 24.
Former Putin propagandist prefers not to return to Russia
Former Putin propagandist prefers not to return to Russia
A former leading employee of the Russian propaganda channel Sputnik, Marat Kasem (Marats Kasems in Latvian), has decided not to return to Russia after his release from detention, reported LTV's De Facto investigative show March 17. 
'Next!' – medical politician doubles up on parliamentary duties
'Next!' – medical politician doubles up on parliamentary duties
A doctor's profession is one of the few that members of the Saeima can combine with a political position. In this regard, member of parliament and medical doctor Juris Jakovins (Greens and Farmers Union) has raised the combination of workloads to a new level. 
Latvian Russian Union's leaders summoned by security service
Latvian Russian Union's leaders summoned by security service
In connection with the public information about possible contacts of the leader of the Latvian Russian Union and current MEP Tatjana Ždanoka with Russian special services, both Ždanoka herself and the party co-chairman Miroslavs Mitrofanovs went to a conversation with the State Security Service (VDD) last week, reported Latvian Television's De Facto on February 12.
Debate ongoing about future of former 'Moscow House' in Rīga
Debate ongoing about future of former 'Moscow House' in Rīga
The so-called “Moscow House” in Rīga went into state ownership in late January, and previous landlords and tenants have left the premises. Soon, the Cabinet of Ministers should decide on the future fate of the property, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on February 4.
Hundreds inconvenienced by first new trains in Latvia
Hundreds inconvenienced by first new trains in Latvia
Defects in new electric trains disrupted the daily plans of hundreds of passengers in the first week of this year. Latvian Television's De Facto broadcast reported a reminder on January 7 that most trains have not yet been delivered and they will also need an entry period.
LTV's 'De Facto' reports new information from Bunkus murder case
LTV's 'De Facto' reports new information from Bunkus murder case
The Rīga City Court is currently trying the alleged instigators of the notorious murder of insolvency administrator Mārtiņš Bunkus. Latvian Television's De Facto investigative show reported fresh details from the case September 10.
LTV's De Facto looks at 'Baltic anti-fascist' case
LTV's De Facto looks at 'Baltic anti-fascist' case
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the Telegram communication app group “Baltic antifascists” was created. An investigation into participation in a criminal organization has been launched against at least five persons associated with the group. Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto, aired June 18, took a closer look at the group.
Former KGB officer on trial for incitement: LTV's De Facto
Former KGB officer on trial for incitement: LTV's De Facto
Last week, court proceedings started for Andris Strautmanis, former official of the Soviet-time Committee for State Security (KGB) and Latvian Security Police. He was detained two years ago in the espionage case of politician Jānis Ādamsons, Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on May 22. 
Latvia was not prepared to send new ambassador to Russia: LTV's De Facto
Latvia was not prepared to send new ambassador to Russia: LTV's De Facto
One of the reasons why Latvia announced the withdrawal of Ambassador Māris Riekstiņš from Moscow last week was the end of his term of office a few months later. Latvia was not ready to send a new ambassador to Russia while Russia's war in Ukraine continues, Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on January 29.
LTV's De Facto: sanctioned millionaire Aven's helicopter auctioned off
LTV's De Facto: sanctioned millionaire Aven's helicopter auctioned off
An auction was held last autumn, the results of which are not public, but the De Facto broadcast of Latvian Television has found that a helicopter belonging to Russian businessmen with Latvian citizenship Pyotr Aven and Yuri Shefler was sold off asa result of taxes owed. The current location of the aircraft cannot be determined, De Facto reported on January 22.
Russian internet giant may have violated Latvia's drone rules
Russian internet giant may have violated Latvia's drone rules
Virtual 3D tours of popular attractions and locations around the world are not unusual in the internet age. However, Russian internet giant Yandex has raised them to a new level, reports LTV's De Facto investigative show. 
Latvian financial sector still seen as "risky" by some
Latvian financial sector still seen as "risky" by some
The Latvian banking sector, which is trying to regain international trust after extensive reforms to the financial system, must now expect extra attention due to Russian sanctions and related issues, LTV investigative show De Facto reported November 6.
LTV's De Facto examines sanction breaches with Russia and Belarus
LTV's De Facto examines sanction breaches with Russia and Belarus
Entrepreneurs have found ways to circumvent the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus. Most of the reports received by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia (FID) involve moving goods across the border. Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on August 29 that entrepreneurs both cheat on commodity codes and indicate intermediary countries in transactions.
LTV's De Facto probes Russian Gazprom's influence on Latvian gas companies
LTV's De Facto probes Russian Gazprom's influence on Latvian gas companies
This summer, changes to the law took effect, depriving Russian and Belarusian companies of voting rights in Latvian companies. This prohibition also applies to “Latvijas Gāze” (LG), the subsidiary of which is responsible for the distribution of gas in Latvia. According to Latvian Television's investigative broadcast De Facto, the Russian company Gazprom has nevertheless participated in recent meetings of LG shareholders.
LTV's De Facto looks at gas supply situation for next winter
LTV's De Facto looks at gas supply situation for next winter
In anticipation of the next heating season, households have the least worry about gas supply. They will have enough of what is already in Latvia, albeit at a much higher price than in the previous heating season. But will there be enough gas for all other consumers, like enterprises? Latvian Television's De Facto, aired on June 19, aimed to probe the issue.
LTV's De Facto looks at possible dismantling of 'Victory' monument
LTV's De Facto looks at possible dismantling of 'Victory' monument
The issue of the Victory monument where the controversial May 9 celebration takes place each year has been discussed for years in the society and among politicians. Now, with the war in Ukraine, the supporters of the dismantling of the monument are urging less talk and more action, Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on April 10.
LTV's De Facto attempts to analyze rhetoric in Ukraine tensions
LTV's De Facto attempts to analyze rhetoric in Ukraine tensions
The tensions on the border of Russia and Ukraine have resulted in a lot of diplomatic talks and promises of sanctions from NATO and the US. The rhetoric of different countries' leaders varies. Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto, aired February 13, addressed experts to analyze the rhetoric. 
LTV: Suspicions grow about Covid patients with fake certificates
LTV: Suspicions grow about Covid patients with fake certificates
The increase in the number of patients with Covid-19 also increases the suspicion of falsified vaccination certificates. The investigating authorities have criminal cases involving even hundreds of fake vaccination certificates, Latvian Television broadcast “De facto” reported October 31.
'Lockdown' will not stop economic growth: LTV's De Facto
'Lockdown' will not stop economic growth: LTV's De Facto
Following the 'lockdown' introduced on Thursday, Riga is not as empty as it was in the first waves of Covid-19. These restrictions will slow economic growth, but will not stop, according to the Bank of Latvia's estimates, Latvian Television's broadcast “De facto” reported October 24.